Finite Element Analysis of Thermal Buckling in Auotmotive Clutch and Brake Discs

Thermal buckling behavior of automotive clutch and brake discs is studied by making the use of finite element method. It is found that the temperature distribution along the radius and the thickness affects the critical buckling load considerably. The results indicate that a monotonic temperature profile leads to a coning mode with the highest temperature located at the inner radius. Whereas a temperature profile with the maximum temperature located in the middle leads to a dominant non-axisymmetric buckling mode, which results in a much higher buckling temperature. A periodic variation of temperature cannot lead to buckling. The temperature along the thickness can be simplified by the mean temperature method in the single material model. The thermal buckling analysis of friction discs with friction material layer, cone angle geometry and fixed teeth boundary conditions are also studied in detail. The angular geometry and the fixed teeth can improve the buckling temperature significantly. Young’s Modulus has no effect when single material is applied in the free or restricted conditions. Several equations are derived to validate the result. Young’s modulus ratio is a useful factor when the clutch has several material layers. The research findings from this paper are useful for automotive clutch and brake discs design against structural instability induced by thermal buckling.